The topic of alcohol within the Scottish occupational therapy curricula

Abstract

Purpose: Scotland has witnessed a large rise in all types of alcohol-related illnesses and death, with societal costs associated with drinking estimated to be 3.6 billion pounds per annum. Despite this escalating problem, previous research in Scotland has demonstrated that gaps exist in the knowledge base of graduate occupational therapists. This study therefore aimed to document the content of alcohol in Scottish occupational therapy curricula. Procedure: This study was conducted during 2010/11 and a questionnaire was sent to the programme leader of all the Scottish Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) offering undergraduate BSc (Hons) courses in occupational therapy, and the only Further Education College (FEI) in Scotland offering a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in occupational therapy. The response rate was 100%. Findings: There is a lack of cohesive approach to alcohol misuse education within the occupational therapy curricula delivered in Scotland. Key proposals of the Scottish Government targeting alcohol misuse are inadequately addressed. Conclusions: The topic of alcohol and alcohol misuse is taught to varying degrees within the curricula offered in Scotland and further emphasis needs to be placed on understanding alcohol misuse and associated potential interventions, irrespective of practice context.